Owls Net Eight on Signing Day

Five Florida natives, a Texan, and a Finland native join Coach Dooley's program.

Feb. 2, 2006

BOCA RATON, FL -- Nicole Farrell (Parkland, FL), Kendall Kravec (Sarasota, FL), Tessa McGarrity (Winter Haven, FL), Aleisha Peterson (Lutz, FL), Sonia Richards (Houston, TX), Jayne Wabeke (Palm Harbor, FL), and Jannica Tjeder (Espoo, Finland/Notre Dame) have all committed to joining the Florida Atlantic University women's soccer program, as head coach Brian Dooley prepares his team to join the Sun Belt Conference in 2006.

Farrell played for Douglas High School and for the Weston Soccer Club.

"Nicole is a hard working forward who sets up goals and can score as well. She plays very well with her back to the goal which will help the midfield join the attack. She brings a lot of intensity to the game that will fit right in with our style," Dooley said.

Kravec played for Riverview High School and for the IMG Soccer Academy in Bradenton, FL where she was coached by Derek Leader.

"Kendall is a powerful forward who can hold the ball and contribute to the attack with her passing and crosses. She has competed at a high level with IMG and is well prepared for the transition to DI. She will compete right away for significant playing time."

McGarrity prepped at Winter Haven High School, as well as Jim Cote's Hillsborough County United U-18 team.

"Tessa brings a great personality with her game and a tremendous desire to compete. She is a team player who can just as easily set up a goal as well as score. She will make an immediate impact in the FAU attack."

Peterson played for Land O' Lakes High School and was a teammate of McGarrity on the Hillsborough County United.

"Aleisha will compete as a wing defender with the ability to join the attack. She will fit right in with our attacking-minded game plan with the ability to sprint up the field when possession is gained."

Richards attended Bellaire High School and played club soccer for the nationally respected Challenge Soccer Club out of Spring, TX. She is expected to compete for time at the starting position created by the graduation of Katri Nokso-Koivisto.

"Sonia is a technically sound player with a great burst of speed. Her long stride allows her to get up and down the field. She is able to serve dangerous crosses and can get on the end of crosses from the other side, and will add a significant personality to an already exciting team."

Wabeke prepped at Palm Harbor University High School and was a teammate of Peterson and McGarrity on the United.

"Jayne has the ability to beat players 1-on-1 on the flanks and defends just as well. She will be able to fit in with our style of play right away."

Tjeder is a transfer from Notre Dame, and was a member of the 2004 National Championship team. She was a medical redshirt last season.

"Jannica will bring a strong technical presence to our attacking mentality. Her passing ability will off-balance defenses and allow our forwards to make dynamic runs with the intent to score."

Devon Romak, Defender

Romak, who prepped at A.B. Lucas High School, has played the past year with the London Gryphons of the W-League, a highly competitive league composed of college players.

"She will compete immediately and add a strong air game to our defense. Devon is a tireless worker and will be able to join the attack with her speed and technical ability," head coach Brian Dooley said.

Her commitment raises the FAU total to eight.

The Owls made their first-ever appearance in the NCAA College Cup after winning both the regular and postseason championships in the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2005.